Kotohajime Maiko Tomitsuyu and Maiko Tomitae (Tomikiku)

Annual geisha dance performance under way in Kyoto: Japan's ancient capital is alive with colorful pageantry as geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) from the five main districts begin their annual summer dance performance at Minami-za theater.

花景色－K.W.C. PhotoBlogの画像

Famous Mineko Iwasaki as Geiko. Eri-kae or "turning of the collar" is the stage when a maiko, after years of training, become Geiko. During this period they sport a hairstyle called Sakkou and dance a special number called Kurokami ("Jet-black Hair").